It’s with great great excitement that Zack and I announce a HUGE trip we will be doing this year! In August, Zack and I will be leading a team of TerraNova young adults . . .
When I say the ends of the earth, I’m talking about South East Asia– and specifically an island that is 99.9% muslim, where people have maybe never met a “Christian” and where there are for certain no Christian churches, summer VBS’ and many of the things we take for granted here in America and other places in the world.
We will be staying in villager’s homes, eating meals with them, sharing about our lives, and reporting to the missionaries we are partnering with by helping to identify people in the village who may be spiritually open. We will be prayer walking, and having intentional conversations with locals that lead to hope-filled stories about Jesus. It will be physically, emotionally and spiritually challenging. But, we will be giving long term support to the local missionaries as they continue to nurture and serve in relationships with people we identify to be spiritually open. How cool is that?! We also get to do a few fun activities while we are there and fully immerse ourselves in their culture, which is really important when it comes to serving others and being open to their lives and story as well.
A missionary from the island, and one of our good friends, was visiting our church 2 1/2 years ago when we first moved to California and told us his story and what he does. We were immediately drawn to the idea of visiting him and serving in his village, but didn’t know when and how that would happen while we were adjusting to new jobs and in the process of trying to buy a home. I thought this year, 2019, we would maybe start a family, or go on some crazy back-packing trips. But, something was off- and Zack and I prayed a lot about this. As much as I lean into adventure and my own wants/needs/timelines, I don’t know if I have let God challenge me in this way.
” I’ll serve in my church, volunteer in my community, serve the homeless in D.C., go to Nicaragua and partner with Christian Churches there… but I don’t think I’ve ever given God full permission to take me THIS far and to a place that is away from the comforts of the Christian church and community. “
Here we are nearly a few years later, and God has made it so apparent that it is time.
To protect the missionaries living in country we will be working with and protect the mission of our trip, we are not allowed to disclose on social media the exact location we will be going as the local government doesn’t love the idea of Christians being there for the reasons we will be. If you are part of the Dropping In Monday Email Fam where I give self care tips, recommendations, spirituality encouragement- you will get the full details as email is a safe place to do this.
We also sent out a TON of letters to family and friends this week. And we still have a small handful to go out. If you would like to receive one of these letters, feel free to text me, email me or message me with your address. We would LOVE to send you a letter. Many have asked how they can be part of this and partner with us financially in big or small ways. You can do that HERE.
Though Zack and I work for TerraNova, we still have to fully fundraise for this trip, which will be around $3,600 total. This will cover travel and payment for the local villagers housing us and feeding us. We are forever grateful for your willingness to pray for us and financially support us if you choose- and can’t wait to send you a letter and picture after the trip with our crazy stories and experience!
For now, please be praying for our team as we prep over the next few months by going through studies together, building support, attempting to learn a new language, and center our focus on what God will have for us. Please also be praying for the villagers we will be interacting with. Though this trip is months away, I fully believe God has the power to already be working in these people.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and support us.
We love you all,
A + Z